The Anthem of Bro-Country
"Cruise" is the massive hit by Florida Georgia Line that effectively launched the "Bro-Country" genre in 2012. It combines traditional country lyrics with pop-rock production and hip-hop influenced cadences. For a vocalist, it presents a fun but specific challenge: mastering the Southern drawl without sounding like a caricature, and nailing the anthemic chorus.
Tyler Hubbard's vocals on this track are firmly in the Baritone/Low Tenor range. He relies heavily on chest resonance and "twang" to cut through the mix of electric guitars. Let's break down the technique required to sing this song authentically.
AI Coach Tip: Watch Your Diction
In the verses, words often run together to create a rhythmic flow ("Baby-you-a-song"). However, if you slur too much, the AI will mark down your timing score. Keep the consonants crisp even while maintaining the style.
Phase 1: The Verse (Conversational Tone)
The song opens with "Baby you a song, you make me wanna roll my windows down..." This section sits in the lower part of the range. The key here is attitude. It shouldn't sound "sung" in a classical sense; it should sound like you are talking to someone, but on pitch.
The Technique: Keep your volume at a medium level (mezzo-forte). Focus on the rhythm of the lyrics. The delivery is almost percussive.
Phase 2: The Chorus (Power & Sustain)
The energy explodes at the chorus. You'll be belting notes around F4 and G4. This is where most beginners strain.
- Open Vowels: On the word "Cruise," modify the vowel slightly towards "Crooz" with a dropped jaw to allow more resonance.
- Breath Support: The lines are long and sustained. Engage your diaphragm before the line "Brand new Chevy with a lift kit" to ensure you have enough air to finish the phrase strong.
- Twang: To sound like FGL, you need pharyngeal resonance (twang). This brightens the sound and makes it sound "country" without needing to fake an accent.
Phase 3: The Bridge
The bridge builds tension before the final chorus. It usually involves a slight variation in melody or rhythm. Stay locked in with the drums here. The "Yeah!" ad-libs often reach the top of the chest register range (G#4), so be ready to support those high notes.
Frequently Asked Questions
The main melody hits a consistent G#4 in the belts. Depending on the version and ad-libs, it can touch a Bb4, but the core song is very Baritone friendly.
You don't need a fake accent, but you do need "genre-appropriate" vowel shaping. Flattening certain vowels (like singing "thang" instead of "thing") helps the song sound authentic.
Yes. The range isn't extreme, and the melody is catchy and repetitive, making it a great song to practice breath control and rhythmic delivery.
